Whenever a new season starts, especially one as stylistically relevant as winter, it’s easy to feel like you need to spend lots of money on making your wardrobe feel fresh again. I’ve moved between this winter and last, so most of my cold-weather clothes have been in boxes for the last nine months, and I’ll admit, I was somewhat deflated when I unearthed my winter wares; none of them seemed to fill me with joy. A gut reaction may be to open your laptop, head to your favourite store and feverishly add new pieces to your basket. What I suggest, however, if using the same time you’d spend online shopping to give your old winter clothes some love; iron them, steam them, press them—get them looking as sharp as you can. Then start trying them on. Explore new combinations and pair things with items you previously wouldn’t have thought to. Sure, not all outcomes will be winners, but I guarantee this will give you a newfound appreciation for pieces you already own.
Now, assuming you’ve done this just as I have, you’ve hopefully discovered that you don’t need a whole new wardrobe to get you through the winter in style. Instead, you may have identified a gap or two that needs filling, or a space for something more trend-led. Cue Zara’s winter 2023 collection.
The brand has just received its biggest winter delivery of the season and what struck me most was its focus on core staples over anything that feels too “now”. There are classic, wool-blend camel coats, cosy knitwear, tailored trousers that transition from day to night and elegant shoes you can pull out for a multitude of occasions. When it comes to pieces that feel current, I always like to look for items that have an aspect of longevity to them. Take red, for example. The colour is trending hard right now, but it also never really dates either, so I’d say that’s a sound albeit trendy investment. And Zara has some of the finest red items on the high street.
Generally speaking, if you want to add something new to your wardrobe with the intent of making your outfits look chicer, Zara’s winter 2023 collection is the solution. Below I’ve rounded up my favourite pieces from the edit—pieces that you’ll be excited to rediscover next winter, too.
I have a big thing for tailored coats.
The double sleeves set this cable-knit jumper apart from the rest.
An exemplary take on the LBD.
So pretty!
This is giving “old money”.
Red remains the colour to be seen in this season.
I will never not want to buy Zara’s waistcoats.
Bomber jackets remain a huge trend for 2024, according to the runways.
Such a gorgeous shape.
I’m a size 12 and find these trousers fit me perfectly in a medium.
Just add chunky boots.
A Zara jacket just like this has already sold out.
Incredible.
Cosy socks will make these work for even the coldest winter days.
Yes, the blazer and hoodie are combined!
The perfect jeans don’t exi…
This will look beautiful paired with tones of cream and camel.
Rochelle Humes owns this exact dress.
Truly a wear-anywhere trouser.
This bag will earn you compliments.
I’m petite and always buy into cropped knitwear as it doesn’t swamp my frame.
I have a feeling this will fly.
Your new layering hero piece.
Wool skirts make a cosy alternative to jeans and trousers.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week